SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS trailer: The ninja action extravaganza might just save the franchise

The first trailer for the upcoming Snake Eyes film is here, and it looks spectacular. Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is a spin-off from the G.I. Joe franchise and focuses on the origin of the mysterious black-clad Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding of Crazy Rich Asians fame.

The film marks the first new entry in the G.I. Joe cinematic universe (GIJCU?) in nearly a decade, following the utterly forgettable G.I. Joe: Retaliation in 2013.

Judging from the trailer, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins thankfully seems to have little in common with the franchise to date. The trailer showcases some incredible action sequences and ninja battles that feel more like updated Akira Kurosawa films than anything co-starring a disinterested Bruce Willis.

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins also stars Andrew Koji (Warrior) as Storm Shadow, Úrsula Corberó as The Baroness, Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) as Scarlett, Haruka Abe as Akiko, Tahehiro Hira as Kenta, and Iko Uwais (The Raid) as Hard Master. The film is directed by Robert Schwentke (RED) from a script by Evan Spiliotopoulos (Beauty and the Beast).

Here is the official synopsis:

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins stars Henry Golding as Snake Eyes, a tenacious loner who is welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage after saving the life of their heir apparent. Upon arrival in Japan, the Arashikage teach Snake Eyes the ways of the ninja warrior while also providing something he’s been longing for: a home. But, when secrets from his past are revealed, Snake Eyes’ honor and allegiance will be tested – even if that means losing the trust of those closest to him.

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins lands in theatres on July 22, 2022.